A fun analogy for developing humility

In my childhood in South India, I used hear this story which I believe has a deeper meaning for everyone to ponder upon.

Once in a village, a cat had accidentally fallen into the well and is drowning crying out for its dear life. A young boy who is simply passing by the first one to arrive at the scene curious to understand what this sound from the well was all about. It so happens that a few more villagers arrive behind him with a lot of worry for the cat and encourage this guy to save the cat while he is evidently reluctant to do so. One of the villagers takes the encouragement a step too far and pushed this fellow into the well. As a larger group forms at the scene both the cat and this passerby are being retrieved from the well. Everyone’s clapping at this boy for his bravery and compassion for the furry one. The boy is shocked from this near death experience and is confused about why so many people are appreciating him.

Come to think of it, are our lives and achievements any different from this young boy who got “pushed”? What can we learn from this episode?

I for one can relate to this boy a lot! Many a time, I’ve been in the right place and at the right time only to get “pushed” by someone or some situation feeling challenged or almost betrayed. I’ve risen out of the well shocked and confused but later became grateful for that push and for people to have pulled me out and cheered for me.

Thank you!